East coast showcases airpower

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Christopher Maldonado
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
The Air Force welcomed congressional staff members to Poinsett Electronic Combat Range, Wedgefield, S.C., as part of the East Coast Airpower Demonstration, Oct. 28, 2016.

The demonstration provided an opportunity for staff members to spend the day with Airmen from east coast bases and learn the platforms and assets they provide the Air Force.

The event gave pilots an opportunity to showcase the capabilities of numerous aircraft, to include: F-15E Strike Eagles, F-16CM Fighting Falcons, A-10C Thunderbolt II and F-22 Raptors.

“To have these pilots and aircraft from different bases flying was pretty impressive,” said Capt. Kyle Blase, 55th Fighter Squadron F-16 pilot. “We had aircraft from over six different fighter squadrons showcasing their airpower.”

After watching the aircraft perform simulated combat search and rescue and close air operations, the staff members left Shaw with a better understanding of what makes the U.S. Air Force the unrivaled superpower in air, space and cyberspace.